How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost?

Tuesday, September 14, 2021
There are several factors that influence how much your septic tank pumping will cost, which is why it’s important to get an estimate before hiring a company. For a ballpark figure though, the average cost of septic tank pumping is between $250 and $600. Keep in mind that your cost might be outside of this range depending on your situation.
 
Find out what affects the price of septic tank pumping so you’re better prepared for your estimate!

Cost Factors of Septic Tank Pumping

It’s helpful to understand why the price of your septic tank pumping might be higher or lower than average so you’re not caught off-guard by the estimate. There are four factors that can impact how much it costs to get your septic tank pumped:

Tank Size

A bigger tank is going to cost more to pump than a smaller tank because of disposal fees paid to the wastewater treatment plant. The base price is figured on a 1,000-gallon tank, increasing with more tank capacity.

Location

The further away your tank is from the disposal plant, the more fuel is needed to transport the wastewater. Long distances also require additional labor time.

Quantity

Like tank size, how many tanks your home will affect pricing. Larger homes may require two septic tanks, whereas smaller and older homes will generally have one tank.

Truck Distance

Sometimes, a septic tank is located further than usual from where we can park the truck. When this happens, it requires more time spent running additional hoses to the tank.

Tips for a Healthy Septic System

One of the best ways to save money on your septic system is with preventative maintenance, which is less expensive (and stressful) than repairs. Here are some essentials of septic maintenance to keep your system healthy:
  1. Get your septic tank pumped regularly
  2. Never flush paper towels, wipes, dental floss, etc.
  3. Don’t put food scraps, grease, and hard materials in the garbage disposal
  4. Reduce water consumption as much as possible
  5. Don’t run too many laundry loads at once
  6. Avoid harsh cleaners (they kill the good bacteria in tanks)
  7. Dispose of pet waste, food, and products properly
  8. Keep heavy machinery and objects off of the drainfield
When you don’t treat your system right, you’re more likely to experience unsightly septic tank backup. That’s why you should share these guidelines with everyone in your household to help prevent septic system issues from happening. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”!
 
Need septic services in Kansas City? Reach out to Honey Wagon today to schedule an appointment with an experienced technician.
Staff 9/14/2021